Fender Jazz Bass for Recording

To be honest , I find my jazz basses to be good for recording and live play. Same thing with my precision.

When I stray away from those 2 style basses is when I find it more difficult .
I always come back to what works for me. That is a 4 string jazz , a jazz V (active/passive ), and 1 pbass.

4 string and 5 string basses DONT sound the same . 4 strings have more punch and directness to the notes. 5 strings I find are darker and thicker in the notes. They just don’t resonate the same . Each have their place. You will hear the most difference on the E string. So your need and desire for a 4 is valid.

The Squier Classic Vibe series ( original crafted in China models), Fender Roadworn, and my favorite ....The Geddy Lee are excellent Jazz basses. Certain years of American Standards are good too.
For recording , it’s always good to have a Precision Bass too. Again one of the Squier Classic Vibes or even a Peavy Fury are great basses. Not a lot of money . They sit in the mix in a different way. It’s the Classic sound that just works in most situations.

 

yes.

 

sure.

but TBH: i've never had an ax that wasn't useful for both recording and live play, i.e., i don't see the distinction. as far as fender axes go (or their clones) = they're all good for recording/live.

it's all about what floats your boat! i float mine with PJs mostly, but that's just me. i'd gladly use a J if i wasn't currently angry about the body shape.

 

These particular Squiers ..... yes.
The Squier Classic Vibe 60’s Precision and jazz bass crafted in China . Also the Classic Vibe 50’s Precision and Matt Freeman Signature model.
All discontinued but can be found used . Although getting more difficult and prices are increasing due to popularity .

 

I like a Jazz for recording, with volumes and tone maxed on the instrument, direct to the interface. I don't play with guitars, so I don't need that focused P thump to break through the wall of fuzz. The J's got a more open tone which suits the kind of music I play. Honestly any decent instrument can record well if you're playing it well. A J can be thumpy if you roll off the bridge pup and play closer to the neck, etc.

 

Fender Professional was great.

 

If you've got a J, why not get a P next instead? Having 5 strings compared to 4 doesn't change the sound. Having a split in the sweetspot compared to 2 singles around it, changes the sound.

 

I have two Jazz basses that both sound great for recording. I have a 1968 Jazz that has stainless rounds (Dunlop Super Brights) on it, and a Sire V7 fretless with TI Jazz Flats. Very different sounds from each other, but both quite useful to cover a range of situations.

 

I second the choice of a P if you want to have a broader palette for recording. If you want different shades of that tone footprint, another 4 string J can be a good choice. Your call.

Setup, choice of strings (not even taking into account how many) and electronics can contribute to make two basses sharing the same name on the headstock radically different, anyway.

I'd suggest to give a P a go first, anyway, unless you already know them.

 

I think it depends on the song, what it calls for. thump, round, full, I grab the P.
more defined, faster line, clarity, I grab the J.

Of course if the producer has a MM or something and wants me to use that, then I will use it.

 

I've recorded a bit with an old Jazz. They sound fantastic in the studio.

 

Yes. I have an old (20+ years) MIJ that is ugly as sin, strung with fender flats. But plug in, get a pick with a nice bevel, and you can pretty much record straight. DAT TONE. It's my #1 choice for recording.

(when I need zing, I have a bass with MM pickup and steel rounds. For anything else, the JBass it is)

 

Jazz bass -

 

Larry Graham always sounded kinda good in the studio with a Fender Jazz. Geddy sounds adequate too

 

A wonderful bass for recording. I used a PBass for decades, got a jazz a few years ago and I am very impressed with how well it works in the studio. For me personally, I think the jbass offers more options in a recording environment.

 

I like my Jazz for recording much more than I like it in a live setting.